CVE-2024-4347 in WP Fastest Cache Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/23/2024
The WP Fastest Cache plugin for WordPress is vulnerable to Directory Traversal in all versions up to, and including, 1.2.6 via the specificDeleteCache function. This makes it possible for authenticated attackers to delete arbitrary files on the server, which can include wp-config.php files of the affected site or other sites in a shared hosting environment.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2024
The WP Fastest Cache plugin represents a widely used caching solution for WordPress installations, designed to improve website performance by storing cached versions of web pages. This particular vulnerability exists within the plugin's specificDeleteCache function which handles the removal of cached files from the server. The flaw affects all versions up to and including 1.2.6, making it a persistent issue that has remained unaddressed for an extended period. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the file deletion mechanism, creating a pathway for malicious exploitation that can have severe consequences for affected systems.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability stems from the plugin's failure to properly validate user input when processing cache deletion requests. When an authenticated attacker submits a request to delete cache files, the specificDeleteCache function does not adequately sanitize the file path parameter, allowing malicious input to traverse directory structures. This weakness enables attackers to specify arbitrary file paths that can extend beyond the intended cache directory boundaries, potentially accessing and deleting critical system files. The vulnerability specifically impacts the wp-config.php file which contains essential database credentials and security keys, making it particularly dangerous for WordPress installations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file deletion capabilities, as it can compromise entire hosting environments when multiple sites share the same server infrastructure. In shared hosting scenarios, authenticated attackers can potentially target not only their own site's configuration files but also those of other websites hosted on the same server, leading to widespread disruption and potential data breaches. The authenticated nature of the attack means that attackers must first gain access to a valid user account with sufficient privileges, typically through credential compromise or social engineering tactics. This makes the vulnerability particularly concerning as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised users with legitimate access to the WordPress administration interface.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to versions that address the directory traversal flaw. Organizations should implement comprehensive access controls and user privilege management to limit the potential impact of compromised accounts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1486 for data encryption for ransom. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual cache deletion patterns and unauthorized file access attempts. Regular security audits of WordPress plugins and themes should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, while implementing web application firewalls can provide additional protection against exploitation attempts.